OUTRAGED Richmond residents are calling for action against the erection of phone masts at the back of their homes.

People in Raleigh Road, off Lower Mortlake Road, have been left feeling powerless after a second bunch of masts were erected over the weekend.

They are housed on top of London House and Thames House, 243 to 253 Lower Mortlake Road, which backs onto the gardens in Raleigh Road.

Concerned resident Sarah Hamilton explained their fears: "There is a nursery on the other side - Windham Road nursery - and we are concerned about the effect it may have on the children who play outside and on our children."

The family's concerns are increased by the fact that a base station to power the masts has been installed just metres from their four-year-old son's playhouse. Mrs Hamilton claims that about a year ago four masts were installed without consultation with residents and the recent erection of three more has raised concerns about planning permission.

"For the original four masts we don't think planning permission was obtained," said Mrs Hamilton. "We have made official complaints about the erection of the masts. The council keep saying they are going to visit the site and make a decision about whether what they have done is within their permission."

A spokesman for T-mobile confirmed a cabinet containing the electronics and power supply for the masts, known as a "base station", had been installed but emits no dangerous rays.

He said: Our network operates within strict international guidelines recognised by the World Health Organisation and we are confident our base stations do not present a health risk."

A spokesman for Richmond upon Thames council said: "We received a complaint concerning this and our planning enforcement team are investigating to establish whether or not there have been any breaches of planning permission."